Fix a squeaky floorboard
Save £40–60 today
20 mins · Beginner · Saves £40–60 vs a carpenter
Last updated: March 2025
Before you start
Squeaky floorboards are caused by the board rubbing against a joist or a neighbouring board. Screwing the board down tight stops the movement and kills the squeak.
Always use a pipe and cable detector before drilling into a floor. Pipes and cables run under floors — particularly near bathrooms, kitchens, and walls.
Tools needed
- ✓Pipe & cable detector — essential before screwing into a floor
- ✓Drill or screwdriver — to drive the screw
- !50mm wood screws — buy: buy: £1–3 — countersinking screws are ideal
- !Wood filler — buy: buy: £3–5 if the floor is visible and you want a neat finish
Find and mark the squeak
Walk slowly across the board and mark the squeaky area with a small piece of tape.
Where beginners go wrong
Screwing without checking for cables and pipes first — this is the most dangerous mistake on this job.
Screwing between joists — the board just flexes and squeaks again. You must hit the joist.
Using screws that are too short — they need to go at least 25mm into the joist to hold.
Stop and call a carpenter if...
The board has significant bounce or flex — this may indicate a damaged joist
There is damp, rot, or discolouration visible when you inspect the board
You cannot locate the joist and the squeak is in a bathroom or kitchen
Cost breakdown
What you just learned
You now know how floorboards and joists relate, how to locate a joist by sound, and how to safely screw into a floor. This transfers to fitting skirting boards and laying new flooring.
✅ Completed by 1,876 people
⚠️ Watch out if you rent
Report squeaky floorboards to your landlord in writing. Screwing down a floorboard is a minor repair — most landlords are fine with it, but get written permission before you start.